1999 Evinrude FICHT

[redrider_1220]

I am looking at buying a javelin boat that has a 1999 evinrude ficht. I have read alot of bad things about these motors online. Did OMC or BRP fix the problems on these motors with recalls? If so how would I know if this particular motor has had the bad parts replaced. Ad says new seals and water pump in lower unit. Basically I'm asking if the boat would be safe to buy with the ficht motor. Thanks for your time.

 

[Rudy Brown]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

What size motor? From what I understand the problems were with the v6 motors not the v4's and pretty much the problems were solved. Somebody with more knowledge will chime in.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

Any Ficht from that era will have very poor resale value, regardless of size. I would keep looking.

 

[freetime99]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

As previously stated, the v-4's were reportedly good performers and the v-6's had lots of problems, to the extent that many were not repairable (faulty design , mainly )

 

[redrider_1220]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

It is a 150

 

[boobie]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

The ones out there that had the updates done to them, a lot of them are still running strong. But do to the reputation they orginally got, yes the resale value isn't too good.

 

[mercfixer]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

They weren't all thet bad of a design. Although i am a merc/yam kinda technician, if you take the motor to a good evinrude dealer for software updates they are one hell of a motor !! True, you won't get the best resale BUT that can work to your advantage as a buyer. Get educated on the FICHT as an owner and it will treat you right. The advantage to the evinrude is that the software updates can be downloaded by the dealer and revised into the ECM. NO ONE ELSE has this capability incorporated into the ECM. Pretty amazing when you think about it. The FICHT...or the FUXXXD was we merc heads call em, has its quirks, as indexing the spark plugs, and some other issues.....they ARE worth owning.....the V 6's in particular...nice acceleration and excellent on fuel as well as oil....need to set which grade of oil on the ECM as well....another nice option.....
Hope this helps......

 

[ChrisAG]

Re: 1999 Evinrude FICHT

Any Ficht from that era will have very poor resale value, regardless of size. I would keep looking.

That's what people keep saying. Yet sellers keep getting a fair price for used Fichts in good condition. They may not get quite what the four-strokes are commanding of the same vintage, but people realize a motor that is running strong after 6-12 years of operation will more likely suffer the usual age-related issues rather than from some perceived curse of the breed.